No abstract

The rapid change in viscosity of magnetorheological (MR) and electrorheological (ER) fluids subjected to a magnetic or an electric field, respectively, has attracted the attention of many researchers. However, as MR fluids show higher yield stress than ER fluids, they have merited more attention during the last few years. In this paper we present an overview of magneto-and electrorheological fluids, their basic properties, behaviour under different flow types and their uses in fluid power systems, among others.

both in Electric Engineering. His research interests include experiences of international faculty and students in US classrooms, sociology of education, and critical and inclusive pedagogies.

iii

A conventional automotive driveline center bearing (CB) consists of a roller bearing that rests on a U-shaped support, which includes a bladder formed by an elastomer, providing damping for radial vibrations between the roller bearing and the housing. In order to improve the vibration and force handling characteristics for a driveline CB, use of magnetorheological (MR) fluids has been envisioned in place of the traditional elastomer. In this work, expressions for the forces acting on a vehicle center bearing have been derived along with a simulation of the magnetic field in a MR-CB. Experimental studies have been conducted on a MR-CB prototype. It is seen that such a system can be effectively used in vehicle center bearings to improve the vibration and force handling characteristics for the automotive drivelines.